Convergence of welfare schemes to benefit people: Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that the benefit of Central and state governments' welfare programmes is not reaching the poor families and advocated convergence of all schemes for development of the society.

New Delhi: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that the benefit of Central and state governments' welfare programmes is not reaching the poor families and advocated convergence of all schemes for development of the society.

"There are many central and states' schemes to remove poverty, in states and districts. The objective is that it should not only reach villages but also the family residing in villages. But it does not happen."

"It was not implemented keeping the family in mind. So the ultimate beneficiary is family which is not getting it. For this convergence is required. Because all these schemes are meant for families only," he said, adding "efforts should be made that it reaches its destination."

Convergence is required for all round development of the society which includes families and individuals, Prabhu said at a meet on the national forum for action on convergence.

A national consultation was held by a group of NGOs on institutionalising convergence as an approach for an effective and inclusive governance.

He said schemes meant for welfare should benefit the people. "The benefit will not reach if there will be no convergence," he said.

Convergence strives to facilitate people to have a stake in development and ensure that no one is excluded from the process of development and economic growth in the country.

Extending support to the endeavour, the minister said it is the best way to reach out to marginalised people in the society.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jan Dhan Yojana, Prabhu said: "The PM wants that UID card should also be linked with Jan Dhan Yojana. Then national identity card should also be linked with it. This is also convergence. The medium to reach out to people should also be converged so that it benefits the people."

He said the Prime Minister wants less government and more governance and it is also in this (convergence) direction.